The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global competition in the Arctic. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
